Preserving Hawke's Bay's Natural Treasure - Pan Pac's Commitment to Pakuratahi Bush Conservation

Partnership with QEII Covenant Ensures the Protection of Unique Indigenous Forest.

Added 9 months ago

By Elizabeth-Marie Nes

Preserving Hawke's Bay's Natural Treasure - Pan Pac's Commitment to Pakuratahi Bush Conservation

In 2019, Pan Pac acquired a significant forest area (totaling 298ha) just north of our Whirinaki mill, featuring 68ha of flourishing Indigenous (native) forest. Collaborating with government bodies, we secured the preservation of this reserve through a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) covenant, officially named Pakuratahi Bush.

While Pan Pac retains ownership of the land, the QEII covenant guarantees the enduring protection of Pakuratahi Bush for future generations. Noteworthy for Hawke's Bay, the forest stands out due to its age and historical safeguarding from livestock and pests. The diverse native tree population, comprising kahikatea, matai, titoki, karaka, and Kānuka, holds significant ecological and cultural importance.

Karaka

While public access to Pakuratahi Bush is restricted, we are collaborating with specialists to harvest rare seeds, contributing to local and national initiatives for native forest regeneration. Additionally, we aim to open our doors to schools for educational visits, fostering environmental awareness and understanding.

In June 2021, Pan Pac secured funding through the Government's "Jobs for Nature Fund" to enclose Pakuratahi Bush with fencing and introduce an additional 12ha of native plants to bare land areas, accelerating the pace of restoration efforts. This commitment reflects our dedication to the sustainable conservation of Pakuratahi Bush, ensuring its ecological significance endures for generations to come.